Cricket

Amit Mishra, the 41-year-old Indian cricketer, has opened up about his experiences and challenges while being out of the national team. Despite not officially announcing his retirement, the spinner revealed how injuries and team combinations kept him from securing a permanent spot in the national squad.Mishra played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India, taking a total of 156 wickets across formats. However, his career ended on a sour note, leaving him with several bitter memories. He explained that personal rapport and team selection dynamics significantly influenced his career progression."Being liked matters a lot in team selection. Just playing good cricket isn't enough. The captain always decides the Playing XI. I had an excellent rapport with MS Dhoni. I asked him twice why I wasn't getting picked, he told me that I don't fit the combination," Mishra revealed.He recalled being told that he was being given rest, although he never asked for it. "I was told that I was being given a rest. I never asked for it. I hadn't even played 10 Test matches by then, why would I ask for a rest or break? If I have to tell you honestly, I wasn't in a position [to question Dhoni]. Yes, I asked the coach, and he told me to go ask Dhoni, but like I said, I wasn't in that position to go and ask Dhoni. I asked the coach again and he just said we are giving you rest," he said.Mishra's situation did not improve even after Virat Kohli succeeded Dhoni as captain. Despite his good performances, he found himself sidelined again. "The worst I've felt in my career was when I picked up a knee injury five years ago. It happened in between the match. The series before I was the Man of the Series and the Man of the Match against New Zealand. And this used to be the rule back then, not sure if it still happens, but if you get injured while playing, you are given an automatic comeback. It happened with Wriddhiman Saha, Anil Kumble, and Hardik Pandya, but I never got it," Mishra shared.He also mentioned an incident during the IPL when he tried to get clarity on his future from Kohli. "During the IPL, our last match was against RCB. I asked him to give a clear picture about my career. He said 'Mishy bhai, I'll ask and let you know'. Virat Kohli helped me in my comeback series against Sri Lanka – 2016. I was doing well and India needed a leg-spinner who could bowl in Sri Lanka. When I came back, he said, 'from today, you will train for fitness with me'. I told him I can't lift weights like you but I can run and whatever else you want. Then I got injured so I asked him again, but I never got a clear answer. I messaged him. He read the text and said 'I'll let you know' but never did," Mishra revealed.These revelations from Mishra highlight the intricate dynamics within a cricket team and the emotional battles that players undergo in their professional journeys.

Sachin Tendulkar's Role in MS Dhoni's Captaincy AppointmentIn 2007, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) offered the captaincy to batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. However, due to health concerns, Tendulkar declined the offer. Instead, he recommended MS Dhoni for the role, recognizing his calm demeanor and decisive leadership qualities.Tendulkar's decision was based on his observations of Dhoni's behavior on the field. While fielding in the slips, Tendulkar noticed Dhoni's sharp cricketing mind and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. He believed that Dhoni possessed the necessary qualities to lead the Indian team effectively.In a recent viral video, Tendulkar explained his reasons for declining the captaincy. He stated that his body was experiencing significant discomfort, making it difficult for him to handle the additional responsibilities of captaincy. He emphasized that his commitment to the team would remain unwavering, regardless of his official role.Tendulkar's recommendation proved to be a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history. Dhoni went on to become one of the most successful captains in the country's history. Under his leadership, India won the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni also guided India to the top of the Test cricket rankings.Tendulkar's decision to decline the captaincy and recommend Dhoni instead was a testament to his selfless nature and his unwavering commitment to the success of the Indian cricket team. His foresight and leadership played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of Indian cricket.

Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have bid farewell to their illustrious T20I careers after guiding India to a historic T20 World Cup victory in June. The triumph marked a fitting end to their remarkable journeys in the shortest format, where they have been instrumental in shaping India's cricketing destiny.Rohit, now 37, was part of the inaugural T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, while Kohli, 35, played a pivotal role in India's 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Together, they have amassed a staggering 45,961 runs across all three international formats.Despite Kohli's struggles with form in the T20 World Cup, his match-winning 76 in the final against Pakistan earned him the Player of the Match award. Rohit, on the other hand, led the team from the front with three half-centuries, guiding India to an unbeaten run throughout the tournament.Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra has shed light on the contrasting personalities of Rohit and Kohli. According to Mishra, Rohit's open and approachable nature sets him apart from Kohli, who has undergone a noticeable change in demeanor since gaining fame and power."Rohit is very open with his players. He's the same person he was when I first met him," Mishra said. "On the other hand, Virat has changed a lot. There was hardly any talk between us."Mishra attributed this change to the pressures of captaincy and the accompanying fame and power. "When you get power, you feel everybody is talking to you for a reason," he explained.Despite their contrasting personalities, both Rohit and Kohli have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. They will continue to play in Test and ODI formats, where they remain key figures in the team's success.The T20 World Cup triumph has been a moment of redemption for Rohit, who was stripped of his IPL captaincy from Mumbai Indians this year. Kohli, too, has proven his big-match credentials with his match-winning performance in the final.As they move on from T20I cricket, Rohit and Kohli leave behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration. Their contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for generations to come.

Virat Kohli vs. Rohit Sharma: A Tale of Two CaptainsVeteran Indian spinner Amit Mishra has shed light on the contrasting personalities of former captain Virat Kohli and current skipper Rohit Sharma. Mishra claims that Kohli's demeanor has changed due to "fame and power," leading to fewer friends within the team.Mishra draws a stark comparison between Kohli and Sharma, stating that Sharma remains approachable and jovial despite his elevated status. "I can talk and joke with Rohit in the same manner as before," Mishra said.Mishra attributes Kohli's lack of close friendships to his altered nature. "His and Rohit's natures are different," he explained. "I haven't been part of the Indian team in years, but when I meet Rohit, he's always joking with me."Mishra believes that Kohli's transformation stems from a perception that others approach him with ulterior motives. "When you get fame and power, some people think that others are reaching out to them only for a purpose," he said.Mishra's observations echo a previous statement by Yuvraj Singh, who noted a significant difference between the "Cheeku" he knew as a young player and the "star" Kohli.Mishra's comments have sparked discussions about the impact of fame and leadership on individuals. While Kohli's competitive spirit and drive have been instrumental in India's success, his interpersonal dynamics have come under scrutiny.In contrast, Sharma's ability to maintain close relationships and create a positive team environment has been praised. His leadership style has been credited with fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the squad.As India prepares for the upcoming challenges, the contrasting personalities of Kohli and Sharma will continue to be a topic of interest. Their respective approaches to captaincy and team dynamics will shape the future of Indian cricket.

Vikram Rathour, India's batting coach until the T20 World Cup 2024, acknowledges the impending transition period for the team but emphasizes the need for a controlled approach. With the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, India's T20I team will undergo significant changes.Rathour acknowledges the challenge of replacing players of Rohit and Virat's caliber. However, he believes that the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe provided a glimpse into the future of the T20 team. He highlights the emergence of young players like Shubman Gill, who led the team to a 4-1 victory.Rathour emphasizes the importance of a gradual transition, ensuring that the team maintains its depth and quality. He expresses confidence in the upcoming generation of players, including Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel, to form the core of the team across formats.Rathour also praises Rinku Singh, who has impressed in both short-format cricket and first-class matches. He believes that Singh has the potential to develop into a successful Test cricketer, citing his technical ability, calm temperament, and impressive first-class average.Reflecting on his partnership with former head coach Rahul Dravid, Rathour commends Dravid's open-mindedness and willingness to provide space for his coaches to work. He credits Dravid with fostering a collaborative environment that allowed them to implement changes in the team's batting approach, such as introducing more intent and aggression.

Shubman Gill's leadership debut with the Indian cricket team in the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe proved to be a transformative experience for the young batsman. Gill, who had previously captained India A and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, relished the opportunity to lead the national side and believes it brought out the best in him."It is something that I definitely enjoy," Gill said about captaincy. "I think it brings out the best in me when I am out there because I look to be involved in the game. It is something that really brings out the side of me which I enjoy being on the field."Despite the initial setback in the opening game of the series, Gill quickly found his footing as captain, guiding India to four consecutive victories. He acknowledged the pressure that came with the role but emphasized the immense satisfaction of overcoming it and helping the team succeed."There was pressure, I wouldn't say extra pressure but obviously even when you are playing just as a batsman when you don't perform there is a certain kind of pressure that comes along with it," he said. "But I think that's the fun part of it. You kind of feel so many different emotions. Pressure is one of them. And when you get out of that, the satisfaction that you feel is immense."Gill's leadership style was characterized by his understanding of the players and their abilities. Having played with or against many of his teammates at various levels, he felt comfortable in his role and was able to effectively communicate with them."To be able to lead such phenomenal talented players, who I have had the pleasure to play with or against at some stage in age-group cricket or Under-19 or at the India level, it just feels very amazing," Gill said. "When you have played against or with so many of the players... I think almost with everyone I have played against or with at some age-group level, it definitely makes my job easier because I understand them at a player level and I understand them as a person as well."Reflecting on the team's performance in the series, Gill identified the first T20I as a learning experience. He admitted that India failed to assess the conditions properly, leading to their defeat."I think that is the mistake we did in the first T20, the score wasn't that big but I think we didn't assess the conditions as early and we lost too many wickets in the powerplay and then once you are under pressure, then you are always behind in the game," he said.While Gill did not name any specific captain as his idol, he expressed admiration for Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities."You can take qualities from Rohit bhai or even Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai, Virat (Kohli) bhai, Hardik (Pandya) bhai, all of them," he said. "All of them have great qualities. I have played the most under Rohit bhai, so he is someone who I look up to and really enjoy playing under."

Sanju Samson, India's vice-captain for the T20I tour of Zimbabwe, reminisced about his experience as part of the T20 World Cup-winning team last month. The emotions from the victorious scenes in Barbados still linger in his mind, describing it as an unforgettable experience."The emotions are still fresh. The photos are still around. It was an incredible experience. I couldn't stop smiling. I feel very fortunate to have been part of that team. Credit goes to everyone who contributed. It was a complete team effort," Samson expressed to broadcasters.Regarding the changes in the team, including the inclusion of Mukesh Kumar and Riyan Parag, and his role as deputy to Shubman Gill, Samson commented, "There will be some adjustments in the batting order, and I hope to get some time in the middle. I've been leading Rajasthan Royals for the past four years.""I've had the privilege of working with legends and mentoring young players. As a captain, you gain a deeper understanding of the game and consider the team's needs. I've been improving in that aspect," he added.Zimbabwe fast-bowler Richard Ngarava expressed his recovery from fitness issues. "I've worked hard over the past month. I had a knee problem, but I'm happy to be back in the team. I've learned a lot from playing in the T20 leagues. You encounter various coaches and fitness trainers, which helps you improve. Ultimately, it's about executing the basics well."When asked about the effectiveness of his bowling partnership with Blessing Muzarabani, Ngarava said, "We've been in the same academy for a long time. He's someone who motivates me when I'm down, and I do the same for him. We hope to continue taking wickets and aim for a five-wicket haul in the same match."

India's long-awaited triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked a wave of celebration across the nation. The victory, led by captain Rohit Sharma, marks India's first ICC title since the 2013 Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni.However, the path to this success was not without its challenges. When Rohit took over the captaincy from Virat Kohli, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly faced intense criticism for the decision.Now, as India basks in the glory of its victory, Ganguly has reminded everyone that it was his foresight that led to Rohit's appointment as captain. "I was criticized when I handed over the captaincy to Rohit. And now that we've won a trophy under his captaincy, no one is abusing me. Everyone has forgotten that I made him the captain," Ganguly told Bangla newspaper AajKaal.Kohli's departure from the T20I captaincy was followed by his removal as ODI captain. He subsequently resigned as Test captain, paving the way for Rohit's promotion to the role in all three formats.The captaincy transition, particularly the manner in which it occurred, drew widespread criticism. Ganguly, who faced a barrage of abuse and trolling on social media, has now taken the opportunity to remind those who are celebrating India's triumph of their previous skepticism.Following the T20 World Cup victory, both Rohit and Virat have announced their retirement from T20 international cricket. India will now appoint a new coach for the shortest format, while Rohit will continue to lead in ODIs and Tests.

The Indian cricket team's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a testament to their exceptional bowling prowess. Among the standout performers was young pacer Arshdeep Singh, who emerged as a joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi.Arshdeep's impressive tally of 17 wickets, coupled with his economical bowling average of 7.16, earned him high praise from former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja. Raja lauded Arshdeep's ability to thrive under pressure and his willingness to learn from his more experienced teammate, Jasprit Bumrah."Arshdeep is not getting pressured by Bumrah's presence," Raja said. "He's learning from him and not feeling the pressure. It's important for him to back himself and prove that he's at par with Bumrah, if not better than him."Raja highlighted Arshdeep's versatility and adaptability, noting his ability to bowl a variety of deliveries, including length balls, slower balls, and slower bouncers. This versatility allowed him to effectively navigate the challenging batting conditions on flat tracks."He comes on to bowl in do-or-die situations," Raja said. "But he bowls cleverly and to his field. He offers a lot of advantage to his team."Raja also praised the overall improvement in the skill level of Indian bowlers, attributing it to a willingness to learn and a competitive environment."The skill level is going up and there is a willingness to learn," Raja said. "That's an important element you see in Arshdeep's bowling."Arshdeep's performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup has solidified his status as a rising star in Indian cricket. His ability to complement Bumrah's brilliance and his unwavering determination to improve make him a valuable asset to the team.